Today we announced the all new Oregon 600/600t
and Oregon 650/650t (“t” indicating pre-loaded TOPO maps) touchscreen handheld
GPS devices, featuring high-sensitivity
GPS + GLONASS, pre-loaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps, worldwide basemap with shaded
relief and a faster processor, users won’t just look at maps, they’ll interact
with them. Zoom in, pan out, and rotate using multi-touch in any conditions and
even with most gloves. The reflective display technology boosts touchscreen
brightness so much, maps and displays are as vivid in full bright sunlight as
they are in shade. And mark the memories with an 8MP autofocus camera with digital
zoom and automatic flash/torch, plus customizable buttons for one-touch image
capture and waypoint marking— making the Oregon
series a must have for serious outdoorsmen.

“The new
Oregon series was re-designed to fit comfortably in a user’s palm and stylish
enough to be mounted in a car,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of
worldwide sales. “Oregon uses the sun’s light to produce a display that is
twice as bright compared to the previous models and works with many types of
gloves. With new customizable buttons, compatibility with Garmin’s robust maps
and un-paralleled ruggedness, the Oregon becomes one of the most versatile
outdoor GPS devices on the market.”

The Oregon series has a built-in 3-axis electronic compass with
accelerometer tilt compensation, which

shows where users are heading even when they
are standing still, or not holding it level. Its barometric altimeter tracks
changes in pressure to pinpoint users’ altitude, and they even can use it to plot
barometric pressure over time, which can help keep an eye on changing weather
conditions. And with its high-sensitivity, WAAS/GLONASS enabled GPS receiver
and HotFix® satellite prediction, Oregon locates users position quickly and
precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons.
When using GLONASS satellites, the time it takes for the receiver to “lock on”
to a position is (on average) approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS.
And when using both GPS and GLONASS, the receiver has the ability to lock on to
24 more satellites than using GPS alone.

Also new
to the Oregon is the full track view—where users will see the entire elevation
plot and quickly move their zoomed view to any place on the plot. Future plot
uses users’ mapping data to show them what to expect ahead. Weighing just over
7 ounces, the Oregon 650/650t come with a rechargeable NiMH
 battery pack (optional
with 600/600t) producing a state-of-the-art dual battery system. The battery
pack provides up to 16 hours of life on a single charge and will re-charge
itself within the unit when external power is detected. When out on a long
adventure and additional power is needed, users can use two AA batteries as a
backup.

There is no longer a need to take an additional camera into the outdoors
to capture “real” quality photos. Oregon 650/650t's built in 8 megapixel
autofocus digital camera takes photos worthy of sharing or printing and
keeping. Each photo is geotagged with the location of where it was taken,
allowing users to navigate back to that exact spot in the future. Take charge
of the next adventure with BaseCamp™, software that lets users view and
organize maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks. This free trip-planning software
even allows users to create Garmin Adventures— where they can upload their
photos for online storage and share with friends, family or fellow explorers.
BaseCamp displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on their computer screen,
including contour lines and elevation profiles. It also can transfer an
unlimited amount of satellite images to the Oregon when paired with a BirdsEye
Satellite Imagery subscription; users can even view pictures from other devices
on microSD with Oregon's picture viewer. Users can also wirelessly transfer large files like photos,
Garmin Adventures and Custom Maps between Oregon 600-series units (or with the
Basecamp Mobile app). In addition, the new Oregon series allows for waypoints
and tracks to transfer up to 50x faster. Oregon is also ANT+ ™ wireless compatible for heart rate, cadence, chirp
and tempe sensors. 

On the road: Optional City Navigator mapping provides detailed street maps, millions of
preloaded points of interest and onscreen turn-by-turn directions to your
destination, and an optional Auto Nav kit adds a suction mount and car charger.
On a hunt or on a hike: Using a
separate TOPO U.S. 24K DVD or microSD card brings you the highest level of
topographic detail available, with maps comparable to 1:24,000 scale USGS maps,
featuring terrain contours, topo elevations, summits, routable roads and
trails, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes and geographical points. On the water: Add BlueChart® g2 maps,
which provide everything you need for a great day on the water, including depth
contours, navaids and harbors. On the
run or on a bike: Ideal for a trail workout, the lightweight Oregon is
compatible with Garmin’s heart-rate monitors and speed/cadence sensors, and an
optional handlebar mount makes it easy to track your speed, distance, elevation
and location.

Unlimited
Geocaching: The Oregon can hold an unlimited number of geocaches and supports
GPX files from OpenCaching.com for downloading geocaches and details straight
to the unit. Using this paperless geocaching feature, users are not only
helping the environment but also improving efficiency. The Oregon stores and
displays key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and
descriptions— it even filters users caches to make searching a breeze, and
connects to Chirp^®
enabled
caches.

The new Oregon’s are expected to
be available in Q1 2013 and will have a suggested retail price of $399.99
(600), $479.99 (600t), $479.99 (650) $549.99 (650t). Oregon is the latest solution from
Garmin’s growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and
innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences.  Whether it’s Golfing,
Hiking, Hunting or Geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential
tools for outdoor enthusiast of all levels. For more information about
Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

This
device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal
Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale
or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Source: Garmin
Read more here:
Incredible High-Res, Multi-Touch Display, GPS+GLONASS and 8 MP Camera– The New Garmin® Oregon® Series Packs a Punch

Garmin fēnix is our
first wrist-worn outdoor GPS watch, and it is the perfect tool for
anyone who enjoys the outdoors. fēnix provides comprehensive navigation and tracking functionalities as well
as trip information to guide you off the beaten track. But many of you not
only enjoy the outdoors, but a good workout as well, so fēnix provides real-time performance
data, such as distance, pace time and calories, helping you to keep track of
your progress. This is especially useful to keep track of fitness activities
off the beaten track, such as adventure or trail running.

Today,
we released an update for fēnix, adding a couple of new features to help you
measure your workouts. You can download the free update through BaseCamp or Garmin Connect. Here’s what you get and
how it works:

Indoor
Training

We know you love to be outdoors, but we also know that
sometimes you have to train indoors. With fēnix you can now do both. The new indoor training mode allows you to
record training sessions while inside. This will turn off GPS but will still allow you to record data from every sensor you’ve connected (heart rate, bike cadence, foot pod
cadence, distance, speed, and temperature). At the end of your training
session, this information can easily be uploaded to Garmin Connect or reviewed
on the device.

Foot
Pod Support

In addition to heart rate and cadence, we’ve added support
for ANT+ foot pods to fēnix.  Foot pods can be used to provide
cadence information in steps per minute, measure speed and distance during
indoor training sessions, and even provide speed information when GPS is
enabled.

Hot
Keys

When you’re training, you may prefer easy
ways to start, stop, or lap the timer.  With our Hot Keys function, you
can customize the behavior of many buttons by assigning functions.

FIT
History

This new menu option allows you to review your training
sessions in more detail, manage all the .FIT files on your device and even
convert them to tracks for future track navigation.

New fēnix fitness features Q&A

Where can I find the Indoor Training mode on my fēnix?

Simply select Setup, GPS Mode, and then
Indoor.

How do I pair my foot pod to fēnix?

To pair your fēnix to a foot pod, select
Setup, then ANT Sensor, then Foot Pod, then On.  

How do I calibrate my foot pod?

If you wish to calibrate
it immediately, you can select
Setup, then ANT Sensor, then Foot Pod, and then select Calibrate.

Can I use a foot pod to record speed information indoors and outdoors?

Yes. To use a
foot pod for speed information indoors and outdoors, select Setup, then
Fitness, then Always On.  Because these settings may be unique to each
activity, these settings and calibration data are saved with each profile.

How do I use Hot Keys?

Select Setup, then System,
then Hot Keys.  From this menu, you can setup the behavior the up, down,
and back keys (as well as pressing and holding the up and down keys) when
viewing data pages.

Source: Garmin
Read more here:
New Fitness Features Available for Garmin fēnix Outdoor Watch

Garmin fēnix is our
first wrist-worn outdoor GPS watch, and it is the perfect tool for
anyone who enjoys the outdoors. fēnix provides comprehensive navigation and tracking functionalities as well
as trip information to guide you off the beaten track. But many of you not
only enjoy the outdoors, but a good workout as well, so fēnix provides real-time performance
data, such as distance, pace time and calories, helping you to keep track of
your progress. This is especially useful to keep track of fitness activities
off the beaten track, such as adventure or trail running.

Today,
we released an update for fēnix, adding a couple of new features to help you
measure your workouts. You can download the free update through BaseCamp or Garmin Connect. Here’s what you get and
how it works:

Indoor
Training

We know you love to be outdoors, but we also know that
sometimes you have to train indoors. With fēnix you can now do both. The new indoor training mode allows you to
record training sessions while inside. This will turn off GPS but will still allow you to record data from every sensor you’ve connected (heart rate, bike cadence, foot pod
cadence, distance, speed, and temperature). At the end of your training
session, this information can easily be uploaded to Garmin Connect or reviewed
on the device.

Foot
Pod Support

In addition to heart rate and cadence, we’ve added support
for ANT+ foot pods to fēnix.  Foot pods can be used to provide
cadence information in steps per minute, measure speed and distance during
indoor training sessions, and even provide speed information when GPS is
enabled.

Hot
Keys

When you’re training, you may prefer easy
ways to start, stop, or lap the timer.  With our Hot Keys function, you
can customize the behavior of many buttons by assigning functions.

FIT
History

This new menu option allows you to review your training
sessions in more detail, manage all the .FIT files on your device and even
convert them to tracks for future track navigation.

New fēnix fitness features Q&A

Where can I find the Indoor Training mode on my fēnix?

Simply select Setup, GPS Mode, and then
Indoor.

How do I pair my foot pod to fēnix?

To pair your fēnix to a foot pod, select
Setup, then ANT Sensor, then Foot Pod, then On.  

How do I calibrate my foot pod?

If you wish to calibrate
it immediately, you can select
Setup, then ANT Sensor, then Foot Pod, and then select Calibrate.

Can I use a foot pod to record speed information indoors and outdoors?

Yes. To use a
foot pod for speed information indoors and outdoors, select Setup, then
Fitness, then Always On.  Because these settings may be unique to each
activity, these settings and calibration data are saved with each profile.

How do I use Hot Keys?

Select Setup, then System,
then Hot Keys.  From this menu, you can setup the behavior the up, down,
and back keys (as well as pressing and holding the up and down keys) when
viewing data pages.

Source: Garmin
Read more here:
New Fitness Features Available for Garmin fēnix Outdoor Watch

More than a decade ago, the Garmin eTrex was introduced and quickly became the benchmark by which other outdoor GPS navigators were measured. Its size, features and value made it a go-to unit for outdoor enthusiasts around the globe. Today, Garmin has chosen the eTrex line to debut a new state-of-the-art feature. The new eTrex 10, 20, and 30 are setting a new standard as consumer-grade receivers that can track both GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. GLONASS is a system developed by the Russian Federation that will be fully operational by 2012.

When using GLONASS satellites and GPS, the time it takes for the receiver to “lock on” to a position is (on average) approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS alone. Furthermore, when using both GPS and GLONASS, the receiver has the ability to lock on to 24 more satellites than using GPS alone. This is particularly helpful for users who need reliable satellite navigation in challenging environments such as deep canyons or urban environments where a large portion of the sky is blocked by solid objects. The disadvantage to using both systems simultaneously is a reduction in battery life. Garmin is committed to providing its customers worldwide with the best available technology in its devices, and we intend to continue introducing new GLONASS-compatible receivers in the future.

Click here to learn more about the new eTrex models through our interactive minisite.

Source: Garmin
Read more here:
Garmin eTrex and GLONASS: A powerful combination

Source: Garmin
Read more here:
Chicago Store launches GPS rental program

Garmin announced that it will begin offering BirdsEye Satellite and Aerial Imagery, an annual subscription service that gives users the option of loading highly-detailed photo-based maps to select Garmin handheld navigators. Compatible with the Dakota, Colorado and Oregon series, the subscription costs $29 per year. Not a bad price and offers Garmin a bit more of a diversified income stream while capitalizing on its large base of handheld users.

“Without a doubt, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery reinforces Garmin as the leader in outdoor cartography,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whatever the occasion, outdoor explorers can find the ideal Garmin handheld and accompanying maps to complement their specific requirements.”

BirdsEye Imagery is raster-based, meaning it is compiled using actual aerial photos and images that are scanned, geo-referenced and overlaid onto the handheld GPS receiver’s display. Unlike vector cartography, the resulting images depict actual buildings, vehicles, roads, trails, and land features found nearby – giving explorers a unique understanding of their surroundings.

Read all »